Starting troubles

[wood_e]

Ever since I jumped my dad's 2000 Carrera 4 my SHO has had a hard time turning over. It has been getting progressively worse since then (was in December). As of today it almost won't even turn over at all.

I'm thinking my battery may be not putting out the amps it should. The battery is about 8 months old, but it is possible that the Porsche drained a TON of amps. My battery has been relocated to the trunk, but I don't see how this could effect starting, as it started fine before the jumping occured.

On the other hand I have replaced 4 starters in the car, and the last one went out like this. The last one though died within about a week of it having trouble turning over.

Once running the car is fine, runs just like it should with no quirks electrically. The battery reads 12.6 volts when parked and the engine not running.

A few possibilities I'm thinking of trying before replacing my starter are:
1) Have the battery checked out to make sure it puts out the proper amps
2) Check the connections at the starter
3) Check my starter grounds
4) Try another battery or use someone's car to "jump" mine

Anyone have any ideas before I pony up for another starter?

 

[Ishodu]

I would first check and clean all connections.

 

[wood_e]

I went out to try it just now and I get a click when the key is turned to the start position. I tried cleaning the contacts at the terminal but that didn't help. The connections at the battery are good.

 

[hmthesing]

Your starter is toast, more than likely. I just had the same issue and had to replace mine. Got my starter at Checker for $110 w/3-year warranty.

 

[BeautifulDisasterSho]

Sounds like you have a short. You don't happen to have an aftermarket amplifier or any other sort of electrical "add on" do you?

 

[wood_e]

Well i'm putting in another starter tomorrow to see whats up...

 

[SASHO91]

try a VD test and see what that tells you....
IF the new starter dosent fix the problem....

 

[INDO SHO]

If you take your used starter to Auto Z they could test it for you its free Have you checked the starter relay

 

[NJSHO]

Have you checked your voltage with the car running? I would say jump it and get it to autozone like indo_sho said and let them test it before you spend money on a starter you may not need.

 

[wood_e]

the car's running voltage was about 14 volts. Where's the relay located? I tried jumping it last night and I got nothing.

 

[wood_e]

A new starter did the trick, but this will be the last one... I'm probably getting rid of my SHO in a few months.

 

[hmthesing]

So why didn't you buy a starter with a warranty? Mine came with a 3 year warranty. Shouldn't have to ever pay for one again (hopefully).

 

[ManySHOs]

Take the car to AutoZone and have them to a load test on the battery. Have them test the alternator and the starter as well. Let us know what they find out.

I just went through a fiasco with a dying battery that probably helped **** an alternator which was not charging my new batteries. If I hadn't caught the alternator issue, I probably would've killed another battery. I suspect that you have some sort of a load on something in your system. What's the voltage output of your alternator at idle? 12.6v while parked might be ok but it sounds to be on the low side. For reference, mine reads 13.x while parked and about 14.4 while idling.

Ian

 

[stangeater]

You're getting rid of your sho because you have stater problems? Did I read that right? Is the alternator putting out the right amount of juice?

 

[wood_e]

Battery @ idle: 14.57 Volts
Battery not running: 12.66 volts

12.6 Volts is what i have always been told is a healthy voltage (100% charge) for a battery, in fact, many NEW batteries read less than this figure.

Let me explain my decision...

I have had to replace 4 starters, 3 with "lifetime" warranties. Let me ask you guys... what good is a lifetime warranty when your starter fails constantly because of faulty "remanufactured" starters?

2 Duralast starters
1 Autolite Pro starter
1 Beck Arnley (NEW) starter (just put it in)
and the original ford starter


The original starter lasted 90,000 miles. I'm tired of getting a poor quality product that really doesn't save me any money in the long run. 2 times I've had to pay garages to install starters because I was stranded when traveling. I'm sick of this.

My alternator was just rebuilt about 5 months ago. I had the shop here go over everything and they did a fine job, even cleaned up the casing real well. My battery has not been checked but I will have that tested.

I have had my SHO for over 60,000 miles, and except for these starters it has been good. I cannot justify the time expense of having my car disabled because of dead starters. It's time for me to move on.